Hepatitis, cholera, botulism: Ukraine’s Ministry of Health warned about the risks associated with prolonged power outages

Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Liashko has warned of the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and botulism due to power outages.

According to Liashko, the risk of infection transmission sharply increases when water supply is cut off along with electricity for extended periods.

“Infectious diseases that pose a threat include those that can be transmitted through poor hygiene practices. This includes not washing fruits, hands, or other items. Such diseases include hepatitis, cholera, and botulism. When there is no electricity, storage conditions are compromised, which can lead to the emergence of infectious diseases or food poisoning,” Liashko warned.

He added that the current situation is “no less critical” than when the Kakhovka dam was blown up a year ago. Hepatitis A outbreaks have already been recorded this year due to water supply disruptions, prompting increased epidemiological control.

“We are identifying all cases of diarrhea and other symptoms to monitor the situation,” said the minister.

Previously, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine recorded a whooping cough outbreak with 515 cases in two months. Additionally, a hepatitis A outbreak, which infected hundreds of patients, was contained in the Vinnytsia region.